Join Jo Powells and Matthew Lieschke from South East Local Land Services for a paddock walk on a small farm in Yass to learn more about native grasses and their grazing value.
We will be looking at a diverse native pasture and practicing plant identification skills in the field. During the paddock walk we will identify 6 or 7 native pasture grasses and discuss their grazing value. The other topics we will discuss include assessing groundcover, maintaining species diversity and grazing native pastures.
Other theoretical aspects of this topic will be covered in the Managing Native Pastures Webinar on Thursday 1 September. To get the most out of the paddock walk we encourage you to book for both events.
About our presenters
Jo Powells is a Senior Agricultural Adviser - Pastures with South East Local Land Services and based in Cooma. She has researched the effects of increased soil fertility and grazing management on native pasture production and biodiversity. Jo has post graduate qualifications in sustainable agriculture and land rehabilitation and has completed a Masters of Natural Resource Management. Her agricultural interests are pasture legumes and production constraints, herbicide resistance in weeds, resilience in pasture systems and invasive plant species. In her current role she works with farmers on agricultural and sustainable land management issues.
Matt Lieschke is the Senior Agricultural Advisor, South East Local Land Services based in Goulburn. Matt was raised on a wheat-sheep property in the Riverina NSW. Since graduating from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Agriculture (Hons), Matt has worked in a number of roles in the public and private sector. Matt joined Local Land Services in 2013 as a Livestock Officer. Over the past 8 years he has been involved in the development and delivery of a range of extension programs throughout the Southern Tablelands. Matt has particular interests in animal nutrition, reproduction and grazing systems management.
What to expect
The paddock walk includes morning tea on arrival.
We will be walking around a farm looking at different pasture plants, including native and introduced species. We will look at the different parts of plants that are quite small. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass if you have one (hand lenses can be purchased online). Wear clothes and shoes suitable for being outdoors. You will need to bring your own water bottle, cup, chair, notebook and pen.
The Small Farms Network Capital Region has developed a Covid-19 safety plan and will be following National Covid-19 safety guidelines. A refund can only be offered up to 5 days before the event. You can read the SFNCR Covid-19 policy here.
This event is not suitable for young children or dogs. Dogs pose a biosecurity and safety risk to other animals at the host farm and are not welcome at this event (please contact us if you use an assistance dog).
This event made possible with funding from the Australian Government from the National Landcare Program and in-kind support from South East Local Land Services.
